Horsham District arts organisations are set to receive more than £600k funding

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) has today (April 2) announced that more than 2,700 cultural and creative organisations are to receive a share of more than £400 million in grants and loans as part of a vital financial boost from the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund.

In Horsham District West Sussex Music Trust will receive £535,854, The 99 Club Limited will receive £50,000 and BMG Live Ltd will get £27,000.

More than £300 million of the has been awarded in grants through Arts Council England (ACE), Historic England, National Lottery Heritage Fund and the British Film Institute.

Andrew Bernardi, violinist director at BMG Live Ltd, said: “We are very grateful for the opportunity and responsibility awarded to Bernardi Music Group by ACE and DCMS.

“We are greatly looking forward to inspiring connecting and supporting musicians to galvanise our communities through music at an international level from the grass roots of Sussex, and as we return to sustainable performances.

“Particular focus will be on innovative digital and live delivery of our two concert series Shipley Arts Festival in its 21st year, our LeonardsLee Bernardi Music Group Summer Concert series, and the work with do for young people through our String Academy.

“We will also be deepening our international roots from our Horsham Sussex base and extending our reach through digital and live innovations with the Alzheimers Society and community.”

And £81 million has been offered by DCMS in tailor-made loans for cultural landmarks.

Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, added: “Our record-breaking Culture Recovery Fund has already helped thousands of culture and heritage organisations across the country survive the biggest crisis they’ve ever faced.

“Now we’re staying by their side as they prepare to welcome the public back through their doors - helping our cultural gems plan for reopening and thrive in the better times ahead.”

Hazel Edwards, south east area director at Arts Council England said: “Thanks to the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund, we can offer extra support to the arts and cultural sector in the South East. From youth ballet to opera, theatre to grassroots music, the South East is brimming with cultural organisations that enrich the lives of local communities. This funding will make a real difference to these organisations as they get ready to welcome audiences and visitors again.”

The Chichester Festival Theatre is set to get £953,264. Kathy Bourne, executive director, and Daniel Evans, artistic director, said: “Our Culture Recovery Fund Grant is the best possible news, and testimony to the dedication of our staff throughout this very challenging year.

“We’re extremely grateful to the DCMS and the Arts Council, and enormously buoyed by this vital boost to our resources. This generous grant will enable to us to reopen our theatre with confidence and deliver Festival and Winter seasons, offering the production quality that our audiences expect, support freelance artists, maintain our commitment to inclusivity and our work with the community.”

Hugh Bonneville, who appeared at Chichester Festival Theatre as C. S. Lewis in Shadowlands in 2019, added: “Underlying the UK’s international Film & TV success is the best of British Theatre. So I am particularly delighted that Chichester Festival Theatre, my local theatre, is being supported so generously by the Culture Recovery Fund. The grant will enable it to reopen its doors with confidence, renew the relationship with its audience and take its place once again at the heart of its vibrant community.”

Today’s announcement brings the Government’s total investment across grants, capital and repayable finance from the Culture Recovery Fund so far to more than £1.2 billion across over 5,000 individual cultural organisations and sites, the DCMS said. The second round of awards made today will help organisations across the country as they welcome back visitors and return to normal operating models in the months ahead.